Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

as I take in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside me lies Charlotte; eyes

the covers are rumpled, sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter of movement

Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since we returned from the

Her father…

Christ…

that sallow hue, and her cheeks are brushed

Babe…

over the line of high cheekbones with a fingertip. Her lids flutter,

me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed, wilful, frustrating, crazy, wonderful

touch

face, “How are

“I’m fine. Really, I’m

pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us

her gaze, she

a better state than that if you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes

a whisper. “Is

we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help however I

head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the

gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in

“You

don’t imagine James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with

comes a chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James holds a tray. The scents of

flare and she sits bolt upright. “God,

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago

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